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An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe have welcomed the decision by the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) to accept the report by the Independent Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) at their biennial delegate conference.
An Taoiseach said: “It’s good news that RACO has agreed to accept the pay package on offer. It will result in an increase in take home pay for defence forces personnel from this year. That will help with retention which is a real challenge at present. We are committed to building on that further in the next public service pay deal. Strengthening our Defence Forces will take time but I am more confident today that we are back on track.”
Minister Kehoe said: “I welcome the decision by the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) to accept the report by the Independent Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) at their biennial delegate conference.
“The decision to accept the report will ensure RACO members receive real and tangible benefits such as a 10 per cent increase in Military Service Allowance (MSA) and the restoration of allowances reduced under the Haddington Road Agreement.
“The report also recommends the reinstatement of a service commitment scheme for Air Corps pilots, the details of which are being worked out, as well as a number of non-pay initiatives.
“In July, the Government published a high-level plan which sets out clear timelines and objectives for the report’s implementation.
“The plan is overseen by the Department of An Taoiseach and, under my direction, work on this plan is being prioritised by Civil and Military Management.
“Importantly, this body of work sets out a clear pathway that will feed into the next round of Public Sector Pay talks.
“The decision by RACO to accept the PSPC report is a welcome development.
“I look forward to engaging with RACO delegates at their biennial conference tomorrow.”
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